The 2009 Whitehall High School graduate enrolled at Widener University to play football. After playing sparingly at quarterback, he left school and returned to the Lehigh Valley.

“I was a backup toward the end of the season, but I didn’t do too well,” Lahue said.

Lahue took the next two years off, but never gave up hope of someday returning to college.

“I was working at Wegman’s to become a manager and doing some side work,” Lahue said. “I tried to make as much money as I could, but I always wanted to go back to school.”

Last spring Lahue sent emails to several schools including Moravian. He eventually was contacted by the Greyhounds’ coaching staff. One thing led to another and Lahue decided on Moravian.

Lahue won a tight battle for the starting quarterback job and will be under center Saturday afternoon when the Greyhounds host Susquehanna in a Centennial Conference game at Rocco Calvo Field.

Both teams were idle last week. Moravian (2-3 overall, 2-2 conference) lost to Ursinus 24-7 on Sept. 29 while Susquehanna (2-3, 1-3) is coming off an inspiring 17-0 victory the same day over Muhlenberg.

“I thought in the preseason that Susquehanna would be a top contender in the conference,” Moravian coach Jeff Pukszyn said. “They have an excellent defense. They’re aggressive and they run to the football.”

The 21-year old Lahue, who has sophomore eligibility, came into the season with minimal football experience. He saw spot duty at quarterback as a junior under former Whitehall coach Tony Trisciani.

Lahue won the Zephyrs’ starting quarterback job as a senior but had his season abruptly end when he broke his collarbone in Week 2.

Lahue admittedly felt some rust when he reported to preseason camp in August.

“I wasn’t used to getting up every single day and getting in the football routine,” he said. “After the first week in camp everything fell back into place. It’s like riding a bike. I just kept working hard.”

Lahue beat out freshmen Corey Clemons and Ryan Davies and junior Robbie Moyer of East Stroudsburg South for the starting job.

“(Lahue) is getting better every week,” Pukszyn said. “He’s done a great job providing leadership and meshing with the other receivers and running backs.”

The coach also acknowledged that Lahue has done an excellent job with off-the-field preparation.

“He’s always watching film and working on putting a game plan together,” Pukszyn said. “He takes extra time working with (offensive coordinator) Dan Csencsitz between classes to find areas where he can improve. He’s a student of the game.”

Lahue said he feels very comfortable in his new environment.

“I thought about going to community college, but I wanted to get the full college experience,” he said. “I fell into a great coaching staff here. All of my teammates have been very supportive. It’s a great group of guys. I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”